Finding the limit of a function in f(x)-f(a)/x-a format

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on finding the derivative of the function f(x) = lim (csc(t) - csc(x)) / (t - x) at the point x = π/4. Participants attempted various methods, including L'Hôpital's Rule and algebraic manipulation, to simplify the limit expression. The correct derivative, f'(π/4), is confirmed to be 3√2. The use of csc(x) = 1/sin(x) is highlighted as a crucial step in solving the problem.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of limits in calculus
  • Familiarity with L'Hôpital's Rule
  • Knowledge of trigonometric functions, specifically cosecant
  • Ability to manipulate algebraic expressions involving limits
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the application of L'Hôpital's Rule in different limit scenarios
  • Learn about the properties and derivatives of trigonometric functions
  • Explore the concept of limits approaching specific points in calculus
  • Practice solving limits involving trigonometric identities
USEFUL FOR

Students studying calculus, particularly those focusing on derivatives and limits, as well as educators seeking to clarify concepts related to trigonometric functions and their derivatives.

noonan
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Homework Statement


Let f(x)=lim (csct-cscx)/t-x. Find the value of f'(pi/4)
t-x

Homework Equations


f(x)-f(a)/x-a

The Attempt at a Solution



I tried doing it from first principles but couldn't figure out how to get rid of h. I also tried doing L'hopital's rule and got root2 but I know the answer is 3root2. I also tried making the equation (cscx-root2)/x-(pi/4). Nothing seems to work!
 
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noonan said:

Homework Statement


Let f(x)=lim (csct-cscx)/t-x. Find the value of f'(pi/4)
t-x
Use parentheses around the terms in the denominator.
noonan said:

Homework Equations


f(x)-f(a)/x-a
Use parentheses around the numerator and denominator terms.
noonan said:

The Attempt at a Solution



I tried doing it from first principles but couldn't figure out how to get rid of h.
There is no h anywhere in your work.
noonan said:
I also tried doing L'hopital's rule and got root2 but I know the answer is 3root2. I also tried making the equation (cscx-root2)/x-(pi/4). Nothing seems to work!

Assuming that f(x) = csc(x), then f'([itex]\pi/4[/itex]) is given by this limit.
[tex]\lim_{x \to \pi/4}\frac{csc(x) - csc(\pi/4)}{x - \pi/4}[/tex]

My first step was to rewrite the csc terms using csc(x) = 1/sin(x). After that, I did some algebra to write the whole limit expression with a single numerator and a single denominator. If you are allowed to use L'Hopital's Rule, you get the answer pretty quickly.
 

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